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How to Make a Fossil Sifter

Archeology is the scientific study of the past using materials recovered from the earth. It is popular among students as an introduction to geology as well as biology. Many students have dreams of becoming archeologists, and sifting for fossils is a great introduction to the field. Building and using a fossil sifter is sure to pique the interest of middle school students being introduced to the earth sciences. With the following activity, students may build their very own fossil sifter.

Things You'll Need

  • Disposable pie tin
  • Wire Mesh
  • Scissors
  • Zip ties
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Instructions

    • 1

      Cut the bottom out of the pie tin using the scissors. Pie tins come in various shapes and sizes; use the best pie tin for your situation. An 8-inch or 9-inch-deep pie tin may yield the best results.

    • 2

      Use the scissors to poke holes in the pie tin along the sides near the absent bottom. The holes will be used to attach the mesh to the bottom with the zip ties. The more points the mesh is attached to the tin, the more stable the sifter will be. Use holes which are about 1/2 inch apart for best results.

    • 3

      Cut a circular piece of wire mesh slightly larger (1/2 to 1 inch larger than the diameter of the pan) than the bottom of the pie tin.

    • 4

      Use the scissors to poke small holes in the mesh which correspond to the holes in the pie tin.

    • 5

      Place the pie tin on top of the wire mesh circle and run zip ties through all of the holes. Tighten the zip ties so that the mesh curls up around the edges of the pie tin.

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